You are here

Herbert E. Nelson, Sr.

Herbert E. Nelson, Sr., 93, a lifetime resident of Aberdeen, died at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, on Thursday, July 26, 2012. He was born in Aberdeen, on July 1, 1919, the son of Harry A. and Eleanor (Rydman) Nelson.

Herb graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1937 and Grays Harbor College in 1939. He then attended the University of Washington before going to work for Rayonier Timber Company. With the advent of oncoming war, Herb joined the Army in February 1941 and served for the duration of World War II. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and was discharged in September of 1945.

He married Shirley M. Matheson in Aberdeen on June 18, 1941, and upon his return from the war he went to work with his father-in-law, Gilbert Matheson, at Landberg Paint and Glass Co. in Aberdeen. He retired in 1981.

Herb was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church, in Aberdeen; a 60-year member of the Aberdeen Lions Club; a member of the Aberdeen Elks Lodge and the Aberdeen Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served on the Aberdeen City Council in the 1970’s.

Shirley, Herb’s wife of 69 years, died here on October 13, 2010. Herb is survived by two sons, Herbert E., Jr. of Aberdeen and Greg of Central Park; a daughter, Sheryl Nelson of Aberdeen; and also four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A twin brother, Robert, preceded Herb in death in 1999.

A cryptside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at the Colonnades, Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen. Pastor Doug Basler of the First Presbyterian Church, will officiate.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 420 No. Broadway, Aberdeen, WA 98520